Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced that it will be speeding up its software fix for approximately 1.1 million recalled vehicles for rollaway risks. This announcement came just days after the tragic death of actor Anton Yelchin, who suffered fatal injuries when struck by his car.
Yelchin, known for his role as Chekov in the recent “Star Trek” movies, died outside his Los Angeles after his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee slid backward in his driveway, pinning him against a pillar and causing injuries that led to his death.
According to a representative with the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred around 1am on Sunday, June 19. It appeared that Yelchin had exited his vehicle and was then struck when it rolled down his driveway.
In April, Fiat Chrysler recalled more than 1.1 million cars and SUVs due to a rollaway risk affecting the shifter. Vehicles may roll away after the driver exits the vehicle, an issue that was linked to 41 injuries at the time. While Fiat Chrysler originally anticipated the release of the new software to fix the issue in the fourth quarter of 2016, the automaker has now told dealers to expect its release no later than July or August.
Whether Yelchin’s untimely death was caused by the issue addressed by the recall is yet to be determined. Fiat Chrysler told The Wrap that it would be “…conducting a thorough investigation of this tragic incident. It is premature to speculate on its cause at this time.”
If you would like to discuss a case related to an auto defect or other type of defective product, please do not hesitate to call The West Law Firm at (281) 277-1500. We help consumers in Sugar Land and across Texas in these important matters.